Spinal muscular atrophy diagnostic methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the discovery of the human survival motor-neuron gene or SMD gene, which is a chromosome 5-SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) determining gene. The present invention further relates to the nucleotide sequence encoding the SMN gene and corresponding amino acid sequence, a vector containing the gene encoding the SMN protein or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene and transformant strains containing the SMN gene or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene.

This application is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 13/096,574, filed on Apr. 28, 2011, which is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 11/603,305 filed on Nov. 22, 2006, which is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 11/222,810 filed on Sep. 12, 2005, which is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 09/109,082, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,752, filed on Jul. 2, 1998, which is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 08/545,196, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,577, filed on Oct. 19, 1995, and for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120; and this application claims priority of Application No. EP 94 402 353.0 filed in the European Patent Office on Oct. 19, 1994 under 35 U.S.C. §119; the entire contents of all are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the discovery of the human survival motor-neuron gene or SMN gene which is a chromosome 5-SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) determining gene. The present invention further relates to the nucleotide sequence encoding the SMN gene and corresponding amino acid sequence, a vector containing the gene encoding the SMN protein or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene and transformant strains containing the SMN gene or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene.

More particularly, the present invention relates to means and methods for detecting motor neuron diseases having symptoms of muscular weakness with or without sensory changes such as amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), and the like. The methods for detecting such motor neuron diseases include, but are not limited to, the use of specific DNA primers in the PCR technique, the use of hybridization probes and the use of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.

Even more particularly, the present invention relates to the use of the human SMN gene or part of the gene, cDNA, oligonucleotide or the encoded protein or part thereof in therapy by insertion of the human SMN gene or part of the gene, cDNA, oligonucleotide or the encoded protein or part thereof, if required, into engineered viruses or vectors that serve as harmless carriers to transport the gene or part of the gene, cDNA, oligonucleotide or the encoded protein or part thereof to the body's cells including bone marrow cells.

The invention further relates to antigen sequences directed to the SMN gene.

In order to provide means for the therapy of motor neuron diseases, the invention also relates to the protein encoded by the SMN gene.

The present invention also relates to the isolation of the mouse SMN gene, the nucleotide sequence encoding the mouse SMN gene and corresponding amino acid sequence. A transgenic mouse model that hyperexpresses all or part of the SMN gene and a transgenic mouse model produced by homologous recombination with a mutated SMN gene is also described.

2. State of the Art

Degenerative motor neuron diseases can be placed into three major categories. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, motor neuron diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and motor neuron diseases associated with other degenerative disorders such as primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequently encountered form of progressive neuron disease and is characteristically a disorder of middle age. The disease is characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons, both in the cerebral cortex and in the anterior horns of the spinal cord, together with their homologues in some motor nuclei of the brainstem. It typically affects both upper and lower motor neurons, although variants may predominantly involve only particularly subsets of motor neurons, particularly early in the course of illness.

ALS is evidenced by the development of asymmetric weakness, with fatigue and cramping of affected muscles. The weakness is accompanied by visible wasting and atrophy of the muscles evolves and over time, more and more muscles become involved until the disorder takes on a symmetric distribution in all regions, including muscles of chewing, swallowing and movement of the face and tongue. Fifty percent of patients having ALS can be expected to die within three to five years from the onset of the disease. Presently, there is no treatment that has influence on the pathologic process of ALS.

Spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) are characterized by degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord leading to progressive symmetrical limb and trunk paralysis associated with muscular atrophy. SMA represents the second most common fatal, autosomal recessive disorder after cystic fibrosis (1 out 6000 newborns). Childhood SMA is classically subdivided into three clinical groups on the basis of age of onset and clinical course. The acute form of Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (Type I) is characterized by severe generalized muscle weakness and hypotonia at birth or in the 3 months following birth. Death, from respiratory failure, usually occurs within the first two years. This disease may be distinguished from the intermediate (Type II) and juvenile (Type III, Kugelberg-Welander disease) forms. Type II children were able to sit but unable to stand or walk unaided, and they live beyond 4 years. Type III patients had proximal muscle weakness, starting after the age of two. The underlying biochemical defect remains unknown. In addition there is known to exist a slowly evolving adult form of SMA, sometimes referred to as SMA IV.

Primary lateral slcerosis (PLS) is a variant of ALS and occurs as a sporadic disease of late life. Neuropathologically in PLS there is a degeneration of the corticospinal (pyramidal) tracts, which appear almost normal at brainstem levels but become increasingly atrophic as they descend through the spinal column. The lower limbs are affected earliest and most severely.

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a frequent syndrome characterized by congenital joint fixation (incidence of 1 out of 3000 live births) resulting from decreased fetal movements in utero (Stern, W. G., JAMA, 81:1507-1510 (1923); Hall, J. G., Clin. Orthop, 194:44-53 (1985)). AMC has been ascribed to either oligo-hydramnios or a variety of diseases involving the central nervous system, skeletal muscle, or spinal cord. Since neuronal degeneration and neuronophagia occur in the anterior horns, it has been hypothesized that the AMC of neurogenic origin could be related to acute spinal muscular atrophy; SMA Type I Werdnig-Hoffman disease (Banker, B. Q., Hum. Pathol., (1986); 117:656-672).

The detection and clinical diagnosis for ALS, AMC, SMA and PLS is quite limited to muscle biopsies, the clinical diagnosis by a physician and electromyography (EMG). For example, the clinical criteria for diagnosing SMA is set forth in the Clinical Criteria International SMA Consortium (Munsat T. L, Neuromuscular Disorders, Vol. 1, p. 81 (1991)). But due to the complications of the various tests to detect motor neuron disorders, the clinician usually attempts to eliminate various categories of other disease states such as structural lesions, infections, intoxications, metabolic disorders and hereditary biochemical disorders prior to utilizing the above-described test methods.

Presently there is no treatment for any of the above-mentioned motor neuron disorders. Basic rehabilitative measures, including mechanical aids of various kinds, may help patients that have these diseases overcome the effects of their disabilities, but often confining respiratory support systems are necessary to have the patient survive longer.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to characterize the SMA gene which is responsible for SMA disorders and to clone the SMA gene into a vector, for example a plasmid, a cosmid, a phage, a YAC vector, that can be used in the transformation process to produce large quantities of the SMN gene and SMN protein.

In yet another aspect of the invention is the use of primers and hybridization probes to detect and diagnose patients having motor neuron disorders such as AMC, ALS, SMA and PLS. Yet another aspect of the present invention is the use of the SMN gene or part thereof or cDNA, oligonucleotides, protein or part thereof in therapy to correct disorders present in, for example AMC, SMA, ALS and PLS patients, especially gene disorders.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for detection of SMN gene defects in SMA patients.

Another object of the present invention provides the characterization of the SMA gene in the mouse. A transgenic mouse model is presented that hyperexpresses all or part of the SMN gene or a transgenic mouse that by homologous recombination with a mutated mouse SMN gene produces abnormalities in the SMN gene is also described.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the therapy of motor neuron diseases can involve the protein encoded by the SMN gene.

These and other objects are achieved by the present invention as evidenced by the summary of the invention, the description of the preferred embodiments and the claims.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel human Survival Motor Neuron gene or SMN gene, its DNA sequence and amino acid sequence.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a novel mouse Survival Motor Neuron gene or SMN gene, its DNA sequence and amino acid sequence.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is the provision of a vector which is capable of replicating in a host microorganism to provide large quantities of the human or mouse SMN protein.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is the provision of specific DNA sequences that can be used to detect and diagnose spinal muscular atrophy and other motor neuron disorders. These DNA sequences can be used as primers in the polymerase chain reaction to amplify and detect the SMN gene sequence, a truncated or mutated version of the SMN gene sequence or lack of said sequence which leads to the diagnosis of SMA, AMC, and other motor neuron disorders.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a transgenic mouse that hyperexpresses all or part of the SMN gene or a transgenic mouse that by homologous recombination with a mutated mouse SMN gene produces abnormalities in the SMN gene is also described.

The inventors have identified two genes respectively designated TBCD541 and C-BCD541, which are involved in motor neuron disorders.

The T-BCD541 gene is responsible for the motor neuron diseases of the SMA type, since its alteration either by partial or total deletion, by mutation or any other modification, is sufficient to lead to a pathological state at the clinical electromyographic or muscle morphological levels.

The C-BCD541 gene is different from the T-BCD541 gene, at the level of the cDNA, since two nucleotides are modified. This C-BCD541 gene is nevertheless not correctly processed during the transcription in controls and patients suffering from motor neuron diseases. The genomic DNA of the C-BCD541 gene is not correctly spliced during the transcription providing thus for an abnormal transcript. The difference between the splicing of the T-BCD541 and the C-BCD541 gene results from differences in the sequence of the introns of these genes.

The present invention thus further characterizes the structure and organization of the human SMN gene which was found to be approximately 20 kb in length and consists of 9 exons interrupted by 8 introns. The nucleotide sequence, amino acid sequence as well as the exon-intron boundaries of the human SMN gene is set forth in FIG. 10. All exon-intron boundaries display the consensus sequence found in other human genes. A polyadenylation consensus site is localized about 550 bp downstream from the stop colon (FIG. 10). The entire intron/exon structure of the SMN gene permits the characterizations of the SMN gene mutations in SMA disease or other motor neuron diseases.

The present invention also defines means for the detection of genomic abnormalities relating to motor neuron diseases at the level of the T-BCD541 gene or at the level of the C-BCD541 gene.

The genes of the invention can be further defined in that each of them comprise intronic sequences corresponding to the following sequences:

In the T-BCD5 41 gene for intron n^(o) 6: (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5′ AATTTTTAAATTTTTTGTAGAGACAGGGTCTCATTATGTTGCCCAGGGTGGTGTCA AGCTCCAGGTCTCAAGTGATCCCCCTACCTCCGCCTCCCAAAGTTGTGGGATTGTAG GCATGAGCCACTGCAAGAAAACCTTAACTGCAGCCTAATAATTGTTTTCTTTGGGAT AACTTTTAAAGTACATTAAAAGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCATATTTTGTTGAAT AAAATAAGTAAAATGTCTTGTGAACAAAATGCTTTTTAACATCCATATAAAGCTATC TATATATAGCTATCTATGTCTATATAGCTATTTTTTTTAACTTCCTTTTATTTTCCTTA CAG 3′ for intron n^(o) 7: (SEQ ID NO: 2) 5′ GTAAGTCTGCCAGATTATGAAAGTGAATCTTACTTTTGTAAAACTTTATGGTTTGTG GAAAACAAATGTTTTTGAACAGTTAAAAAGTTCAGATGTTAAAAAGTTGAAAGGTT AATGTAAAACAATCAATATTAAAGAATTTTGATGCCAAAACTATTAGATAAAAGGTT AATCTACATCCCTACTAGAATTCTCATACTTAACTGGTTGGTTATGTGGAAGAAACA TACTTTCACAATAAAGAGCTTTAGGATATGATGCCATTTTATATCACTAGTAGGCAG ACCAGCAGACTTTTTTTTATTGTGATATGGGATAACCTAGGCATACTGCACTGTACA CTCTGACATATGAAGTGCTCTAGTCAAGTTTAACTGGTGTCCACAGAGGACATGGTT TAACTGGAATTCGTCAAGCCTCTGGTTCTAATTTCTCATTTGCAG 3′ In the C-BCD541 gene: for intron n^(o) 6: (SEQ ID NO: 3) AATTTTTAAATTTTTTGTAGAGACAGGGTCTCATTATGTTGCCCAGGGTGGTGTCAA GCTCCAGGTCTCAAGTGATCCCCCTACCTCCGCCTCCCAAAGTTGTGGGATTGTAGG CATGAGCCACTGCAAGAAAACCTTAACTGCAGCCTAATAATTGTTTTCTTTGGGATA ACTTTTAAAGTACATTAAAAGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCATATTTTGTTGAATA AAATAAGTAAAATGTCTTGTGAACAAAATGCTTTTTAACATCCATATAAAGCTATCT ATATATAGCTATCTATATCTATATAGCTATTTTTTTTAACTTCCTTTTATTTTCCTTAC AG* for intron n^(o) 7: (SEQ ID NO: 4) *GTAAGTCTGCCAGCATTATGAAAGTGAATCTTACTTTTGTAAAACTTTAT GGTTTGTGGAAAACAAATGTTTTTGAACAGTTAAAAAGTTCAGATGTTAGAAAGTTG AAAGGTTAATGTAAAACAATCAATATTAAAGAATTTTGATGCCAAAACTATTAGATA AAAGGTTAATCTACATCCCTACTAGAATTCTCATACTTAACTGGTTGGTTGTGTGGA AGAAACATACTTTCACAATAAAGAGCTTTAGGATATGATGCCATTTTATATCACTAG TAGGCAGACCAGCAGACTTTTTTTTATTGTGATATGGGATAACCTAGGCATACTGCA CTGTACACTCTGACATATGAAGTGCTCTAGTCAAGTTTAACTGGTGTCCACAGAGGA CATGGTTTAACTGGAATTCGTCAAGCCTCTGGTTCTAATTTCTCATTTGCAG*

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gene of the invention is capable of hybridizing in stringent conditions with the sequence of FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NOS: 12-13) used as probe.

As hereabove written, the invention further relates to a variant of the SMN gene, which variant is a C-BCD541 gene having a cDNA sequence corresponding to the sequence of FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NOS: 10-11).

The invention also relates to cDNA sequences such as obtained from one of the above genes. Such cDNA sequences are disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3. Both of these cDNA sequence are capable of encoding a protein comprising the amino acid sequence described in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO: 9).

Despite this capacity to encode for such a protein, the inventors have noted that the C-BCD541 gene is able to produce in vivo this protein or is not able to produce it in a sufficient quantity due to the abnormal splicing of the gene during the transcription. Thus, the presence of the C-BCD541 gene does not enable to correct in vivo the deficiency (deletion, mutation, . . . ) of the T-BCD541 gene responsible for the motor neuron diseases of the SMA type or other motor neuron disorders.

In a particular embodiment, the invention relates also to a nucleotide sequence comprising nucleotides 34 to 915 of the sequence of FIG. 3, or to a sequence comprising nucleotides 34 to 915 of the sequence of FIG. 2.

These nucleotide sequences correspond to the coding sequence of respectively the T-BCD541 gene and C-BCD541 gene.

The introns of the hereabove described genes are also included in the application. Especially introns 6 and 7 have respectively the following sequences:

For the T-BCD541 gene: Intron 6: (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5′ AATTTTTAAATTTTTTGTAGAGACAGGGTCTCATTATGTTGCCCAGGGTGGTGTCA AGCTCCAGGTCTCAAGTGATCCCCCTACCTCCGCCTCCCAAAGTTGTGGGATTGTAG GCATGAGCCACTGCAAGAAAACCTTAACTGCAGCCTAATAATTGTTTTCTTTGGGAT AACTTTTAAAGTACATTAAAAGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCATATTTTGTTGAAT AAAATAAGTAAAATGTCTTGTGAACAAAATGCTTTTTAACATCCATATAAAGCTATC TATATATAGCTATCTATGTCTATATAGCTATTTTTTTTAACTTCCTTTTATTTTCCTTA CAG 3′ Intron 7: (SEQ ID NO: 2) 5′ GTAAGTCTGCCAGCATTATGAAAGTGAATCTTACTTTTGTAAAACTTTATGG TTTGTGGAAAACAAATGTTTTTGAACAGTTAAAAAGTTCAGATGTTAAAAAGTTGAA AGGTTAATGTAAAACAATCAATATTAAAGAATTTTGATGCCAAAACTATTAGATAAA AGGTTAATCTACATCCCTACTAGAATTCTCATACTTAACTGGTTGGTTATGTGGAAG AAACATACTTTCACAATAAAGAGCTTTAGGATATGATGCCATTTTATATCACTAGTA GGCAGACCAGCAGACTTTTTTTTATTGTGATATGGGATAACCTAGGCATACTGCACT GTACACTCTGACATATGAAGTGCTCTAGTCAAGTTTAACTGGTGTCCACAGAGGACA TGGTTTAACTGGAATTCGTCAAGCCTCTGGTTCTAATTTCTCATTTGCAG 3′ For the C-BCD541 gene: Intron 6: (SEQ ID NO: 3) AATTTTTAAATTTTTTGTAGAGACAGGGTCTCATTATGTTGCCCAGGGTGGTGTCAA GCTCCAGGTCTCAAGTGATCCCCCTACCTCCGCCTCCCAAAGTTGTGGGATTGTAGG CATGAGCCACTGCAAGAAAACCTTAACTGCAGCCTAATAATTGTTTTCTTTGGGATA ACTTTTAAAGTACATTAAAAGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCATATTTTGTTGAATA AAATAAGTAAAATGTCTTGTGAACAAAATGCTTTTTAACATCCATATAAAGCTATCT ATATATAGCTATCTATATCTATATAGCTATTTTTTTTAACTTCCTTTTATTTTCCTTAC AG* Intron 7: (SEQ ID NO: 4) GTAAGTCTGCCAGCATTATGAAAGTGAATCTTACTTTTGTAAAACTTTATGGT TTGTGGAAAACAAATGTTTTTGAACAGTTAAAAAGTTCAGATGTTAGAAAGTTGAAA GGTTAATGTAAAACAATCAATATTAAAGAATTTTGATGCCAAAACTATTAGATAAAA GGTTAATCTACATCCCTACTAGAATTCTCATACTTAACTGGTTGGTTGTGTGGAAGA AACATACTTTCACAATAAAGAGCTTTAGGATATGATGCCATTTTATATCACTAGTAG GCAGACCAGCAGACTTTTTTTTATTGTGATATGGGATAACCTAGGCATACTGCACTG TACACTCTGACATATGAAGTGCTCTAGTCAAGTTTAACTGGTGTCCACAGAGGACAT GGTTTAACTGGAATTCGTCAAGCCTCTGGTTCTAATTTCTCATTTGCAG*

The invention further encompasses a nucleotide sequence, characterized in that it comprises at least around 9 nucleotides and in that it is comprised within a sequence which has been described above or in that it hybridizes with a sequence as described above in hybridization conditions which are determined after choosing the oligonucleotide.

For the determination of the hybridization conditions, reference is made to the hybridization techniques for oligonucleotides probes such as disclosed in Sambrook et al, Molecular Cloning, a Laboratory Manual, 2nd edition, 1989.

The sequences of the invention are either DNA (especially genomic DNA or cDNA or synthetic DNA) or RNA. They can be used as probes for the detection of the T-BCD541 or C-BCD541 genes or as primers for the amplification of genomic DNA present in a biological sample.

Preferred primers are those comprising or relating to the following sequences:

(SEQ ID NO: 5) a) 5′ AGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCA 3′ (R 111) (SEQ ID NO: 6) b) 5′ TAAGGAATGTGAGCACCTTCCTTC 3′ (541C770)

The above primers are characteristic of exon 7 of the T-BCD541 gene.

(SEQ ID NO: 7) (c) GTAATAACCAAATGCAATGTGAA (541C960) (SEQ ID NO: 8) (d) CTACAACACCCTTCTCACAG (541C1120)

The above primers are characteristic of exon 8 of the T-BCD541 gene.

The primers used by pairs can form sets for the amplification of genomic DNA in order to detect motor neuron diseases.

Inverted complementary sequences with respect to the above primers can also be used.

Preferred sets of primers are the following:

-   -   a pair of primers contained in the sequence comprising         nucleotides 921 to 1469 of the sequence of FIG. 3 and/or     -   a pair of primers comprising the following sequences:

(SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′ AGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCA 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′ TAAGGAATGTGAGCACCTTCCTTC 3′

Another preferred set of primers comprises:

-   -   a pair of primers having the following sequences:

(SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′ AGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCA 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′ TAAGGAATGTGAGCACCTTCCTTC 3′

-   -   a pair of primers having the following sequences:

(SEQ ID NO: 7) 5′ GTAATAACCAAATGCAATGTGAA 3′ and/or (SEQ ID NO: 8) 5′ CTACAACACCCTTCTCACAG 3′

From a general point of view for the detection of divergence in exon 7, between the T-BCD541 and C-BCD541 genes oligonucleotide primers can be selected in the fragment 5′ from the divergence and within exon 7 or intron 7.

Other primers that can be used for SSCP analysis for diagnostic purposes are selected from amongst the following:

5′ EXON 1 121md/121me Size: 170 bp (SEQ ID NO: 24) 121MD 5′ AGG GCG AGG CTC TGT CTC A (SEQ ID NO: 25) 121ME 5′ CGG GAG GAC CGC TTG TAG T EXON1 121ma/121mf Size: 180 bp (SEQ ID NO: 26) 121MA 5′ GCC GGA AGT CGT CAC TCT T (SEQ ID NO: 27) 121MF 5′ GGG TGC TGA GAG CGC TAA TA EXON2A Ex2A5/Ex2A3 Size: 242 bp (SEQ ID NO: 28) EX2A5 5′ TGT GTG GAT TAA GAT GAC TC (SEQ ID NO: 29) EX2A3 5′ CAC TTT ATC GTA TGT TAT C EXON2B Ex2B5/EX23 Size: 215 bp (SEQ ID NO: 30) EX2B5 5′ CTG TGC ACC ACC CTG TAA CAT G (SEQ ID NO: 31) EX23 5′ AAG GAC TAA TGA GAC ATC C EXON3 SM8C/161CR2 Size: 238 bp (SEQ ID NO: 32) SM8C 5′ CGA GAT GAT AGT TTG CCC TC (SEQ ID NO: 33) 161CR2 5′ AG CTA CTT CAC AGA TTG GGG AAA G SM8D/C260 Size: 150 bp (SEQ ID NO: 34) SM8D 5′ CTC ATC TAG TCT CTG CTT CC (SEQ ID NO: 35) 541C260 5′ TGG ATA TGG AAA TAG AGA GGG AGC EXON4 SM3CA/C460 Size: 150 bp (SEQ ID NO: 36) SM3CA 5′ CAC CCT TAT AAC AAA AAC CTG C (SEQ ID NO: 37) 541C460 5′ GAG AAA GGA GTT CCA TGG AGC AG SM3CB/C380 Size: 180 bp (SEQ ID NO: 38) SM3CB 5′ GAG AGG TTA AAT GTC CCG AC (SEQ ID NO: 39) 541C380 5′ GTG AGA ACT CCA GGT CTC CTG G EXONS EX55/C590 Size: 254 bp (SEQ ID NO: 40) EX55 5′ TGA GTC TGT TTG ACT TCA GG (SEQ ID NO: 41) 5410590 5′ GAA GGA AAT GGA GGC AGC CAG C EX53/C550 Size: 168 bp (SEQ ID NO: 42) EX53 5′ TTT CTA CCC ATT AGA ATC TGG (SEQ ID NO: 43) 5410550 5′ CCC CAC TTA CTA TCA TGC TGG CTG EXON6 164C25/C849 Size: 143 bp (SEQ ID NO: 44) 164C25 5′ CCA GAC TTT ACT TTT TGT TTA CTG (SEQ ID NO: 45) 541C849 5′ ATA GCC ACT CAT GTA CCA TGA EX63/C618 Size: 248 bp (SEQ ID NO: 46) EX63 5′ AAG AGT AAT TTA AGC CTC AGA CAG (SEQ ID NO: 47) 5410618 5′ CTC CCA TAT GTC CAG ATT CTC TTG 3′ EXON7 R111/C770 Size: 200 bp (SEQ ID NO: 48) R111 5′ AGA CTA TCA ACT TAA TTT CTG ATC A (SEQ ID NO: 49) 541C770 5′ TAA GGA ATG TGA GCA CCT TCC TTC R111/C261 Size: 244 bp (SEQ ID NO: 50) R111 5′ AGA CTA TCA ACT TAA TTT CTG ATC A (SEQ ID NO: 51) 164C261 5′ GTA AGA TTC ACT TTC ATA ATG CTG INTRON7 164C45/164C265 Size: 220 bp (SEQ ID NO: 52) 164C45 5′ CTT TAT GGT TTG TGG AAA ACA 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 53) 164C265 5′ GGC ATC ATA TCC TAA AGC TC EXON8 C960/C1120 Size: 186 bp (SEQ ID NO: 54) 541C960 5′ GTA ATA ACC AAA TGC AAT GTG AA (SEQ ID NO: 55) 541C1120 5′ CTA CAA CAC CCT TCT CAC AG 164C140/C920 (SEQ ID NO: 56) 164C140 5′ GGT GTC CAC AGA GGA CAT GG (SEQ ID NO: 57) 541C920 5′ AAG AGT TAA CCC ATT CCA GCT TCC

The invention also concerns antisense DNA or RNA, capable of hybridizing with the C-BCD541 gene and particularly to the intron sequences, especially with the fragment of the introns which differ from the corresponding part in the T-BCD541 gene.

The invention also relates to a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of FIG. 1, or to a protein having the amino acid sequence of FIG. 8.

The protein relating to the sequence of FIG. 1 can be used in a composition for the treatment of motor neuron diseases, via oral, intra-muscular, intravenous administration, or via administration in the spinal cord fluid.

The invention further provides a kit for the in vitro diagnosis of motor neuron diseases, comprising

-   -   a set of primers as described above;     -   reagents for an amplification reaction; and     -   a probe for the detection of the amplified product.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a kit for the detection of the motor neuron diseases containing a hybridization probe as described above is provided.

Oligonucleotide probes corresponding to the divergences between the genes can be used.

The diagnosis can be especially directed to SMA motor neuron pathology.

The invention also concerns cloning or expression vectors comprising a nucleotide sequence as defined above. Such vectors can be, for example, plasmids, cosmids, phages, YAC, pYAC, and the like. Preferably, such a vector has a motor neuron tropism. Especially for the purpose of defining means for gene therapy, it can be chosen among poliovirus vector, herpes virus, adenovirus, retrovirus vectors, synthetic vectors and the like.

Within the scope of the invention are contemplated further recombinant sequences. The invention also concerns recombinant host cells, i.e., yeasts, CHO cells, baculovirus, bone marrow cells, E. coli, fibroblasts-epithelial cells, transformed by the above recombinant sequences.

The invention also relates to a method for detecting motor neuron disorders including spinal muscular atrophy, amyo trophoc lateral sclerosis and primary lateral sclerosis, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) extracting DNA from a patient sample;

(b) amplifying said DNA with primers as described above;

(c) subjecting said amplified DNA to SCCP;

(d) autoradiographing the gels; and

(e) detecting the presence or absence of the motor neuron disorder.

Steps (c) and (d) can be replaced by a step of digestion with Bsrt enzyme or with any other enzyme capable of recognizing specifically the divergence of the genes or mismatches in genes, or by sequencing.

The invention also relates to a method for detecting spinal muscular atrophy, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) extracting DNA from a patient sample;

(b) hybridizing said DNA with a DNA probe comprising all or part of the cDNA sequence of FIG. 3 or of FIG. 2 under stringent conditions; and

(c) detecting the hybrids possible formed.

The invention also relates to a method for detecting arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) extracting DNA from a patient sample;

(b) amplifying said DNA via PCR using unlabeled primers from exon 7 and exon 8 of the SMN gene;

(c) subjecting said amplified DNA to SCCP;

(d) autoradiographing the gels; and

(e) detecting the presence or absence of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Yet another method to detect arthrogryposis multiplex congenita concerns dinucleotide Repeat Polymorphism Analysis using genotyping markers C272 and C212 after PCR amplification.

The present invention further concerns polyclonal antiserum or monoclonal antibodies directed to the protein of FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO: 9), the protein of FIG. 8 (SEQ ID NO: 19) or the protein of FIG. 12 (SEQ ID NO: 20).

Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the use of the entire or partial nucleotide sequence of SMN as a probe to detect SMA as well as to identify and clone genes related to SMN gene motor neuron in animals or organisms.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is the use of the SMA protein to produce polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, which antibodies may be used to detect and diagnose SMA.

In another aspect, polyclonal rabbit antiserum were generated against synthetic peptides corresponding to the amino acid sequence of FIGS. 1, 8 and 12, including the amino acid terminus and the carboxy terminus.

Accordingly, in one of its process aspects, the present invention relates to the detection of SMA in patients having SMA or related motor neuron disorders such as AMC, ALS and PLS.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to administer the SMN gene part thereof, cDNA or oligonucleotides to patients who are either lacking the gene or have a genetically defective gene as such or after incorporation into engineered viruses or vectors.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in detail below in the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO: 9) is the amino acid sequence of the SMN coding region of the clone T-BCD541.

FIG. 2A (SEQ ID NO: 10) is the nucleotide sequence of the SMN coding region as well as the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of clone C-BCD541; the coding region is underlined.

FIG. 2B (SEQ ID NO: 11) contains the sequence starting from intron 6 up to exon 8 of the C-BCD541 gene. The underlined sequences are those of exons 7 and 8. Sequences of introns 6 and 7 can be chosen as oligonucleotides to amplify the cDNA region allowing the distinction, within exon 7, between the T-BCD541 gene and the C-BCD541 gene. The position of the divergent nucleotide between the T-BCD541 and C-BCD541 cDNA are in italics.

FIG. 3A (SEQ ID NO: 12) is the nucleotide sequence of the SMN coding region as well as the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of clone T-BCD541. The coding sequences are underlined. The numbers of the exons are indicated on the sequence. Asteriks indicate the beginning of each exon. The nucleotides which are indicated in italics are those which differ between the C-BCD541 and the T-BCD541 genes.

FIG. 3B (SEQ ID NO: 13) represents the sequence from intron 6 up to the end of exon 8 of the T-BCD541 gene. The sequence of exons 7 and 8 is underlined.

FIG. 4 is the nucleotide sequences of the markers C212 (SEQ ID NO: 14), C272 (SEQ ID NO: 15), C171 (SEQ ID NO: 18), AFM157×d10 (SEQ ID NO: 16), and C161 (SEQ ID NO: 17).

FIG. 5 represents various probes utilized in the present invention revealing several loci that the probes hybridized to.

FIG. 6 represents the telomeric element containing the survival SMN gene.

FIG. 7 represents the marked decrease of gene dosage with probe 1325EII, mapping close to this.

FIG. 8 (SEQ ID NO: 19) represents the amino acid sequence of the truncated SMN protein.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the genomic structure of the human SMN gene. The designations and positions of genomic clones are shown above the figure. L-132, L-5, and L-13 depict the genomic clones spanning the entire SMN gene, while L-51 spans part of exon 1. Micro satellites and DNA markers are indicated above the genomic map. B, H, and E mean BgIII, HindIII and EcoRI, respectively. C212, p322, C272, 1325EII and C171 represent various markers. 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 represent exons of the SMN and C-BCD541 genes. The entire sequence of L-132 is obtained by PCR amplification from exon 1 to exon 2A.

FIG. 10A-FIG. 10C (SEQ ID NO: 22) represents the nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence of the entire human SMN gene including the introns and exons. Translated nucleotide sequences are in upper case, with the corresponding amino acids shown below that. The polyadenylation signal is in bold face. Arrowheads indicate the position of the single base differences between SMN and C-BCD541 genes in introns 6 and 7 and exons 7 and 8. Italic letters indicate the position of the oligonucleotides chosen for the detection of divergences in intron 7. (*) indicates the position of the stop codon.

FIG. 11 (SEQ ID NO: 23) represents the nucleotide sequence upstream of the coding region of the human SMN gene and illustrates the presence of putative binding sites for the transcription factors of AP-2, GH-CSE2, DTF-1, E4FI, HINF-A, H4TF-1, β-IFN and SpI. Bold letters indicate the dinucleotide repeat (CA) corresponding to the C272 markers.

FIG. 12A-FIG. 12B (SEQ ID NO: 20) represents the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Mouse SMN cDNA. (*) indicates the position of the stop codon.

FIG. 13 represents a comparative analysis of the amino acid sequence of human SMN (above) and mouse SMN (below).

FIGS. 14A-C illustrates the genetic analysis of family 6. Lane A shows evidence of inherited maternal deletion seen with the microsatellite marker C272 as the proband inherited only allele from the father. Lanes B and C represent SSCP analysis of PCR-amplified exons 7 (lane B) and 8 (lane C) of SMN (closed arrowheads) and its centromeric copy (open arrowheads). “F” represents the father, “M” the mother, “A” the affected infant.

FIG. 15 illustrates the band shifts on single strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the PCR amplified intron 7 and permitted indetification of SMN (closed arrowheads) and its centromeric counterpart C-BCD541 (open arrowheads).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “contig” means overlapping nucleotide sequences.

Previous studies by means of linkage analysis have shown that all three forms of spinal muscular atrophy map to chromosome 5q11.2-q13.3. (LM. Brzustowicz et al, Nature, 344, 5-10 (1990); J. Melki et al, Nature, 345, 823 (1990); J. Melki et al, Lancet, 336, 271 (1990). A yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig of the 5q13 region spanning the disease locus was constructed that showed the presence of low copy-repeats in this region. Allele segregation was analyzed at the closest genetic loci detected by markers derived from the YAC contig (C212, C272 and C161) in 201 SMA families. These markers revealed two loci (C212, C272) or three loci on the 5q13 region (C161). Inherited and de novo deletions were observed in 9 unrelated SMA patients. Moreover, deletions were strongly suggested in at least 18% of SMA type I patients by the observation of marked heterozygosity deficiency for the loci studied. These results indicated that deletion events are statistically associated with the severe form of SMA.

By studying all polymorphic DNA markers derived from the YAC contig, it was observed that the smallest rearrangement occurred within a region bordered by loci detected by C161 and C212-C272 and entirely contained in a 1.2-Mb YAC clone 903D1. See, for example, French Patent Application No. 9406856 incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention characterized the small nested critical SMA region of about 140 Kb by a combination of genetic and physical mapping in SMA patients. This region suggested a precise location for the SMA gene and therefore, a limited region within which to search for candidate genes. The present invention identified a duplicated gene from the 5q13 region. One of them (the telomeric gene) is localized within the critical region. Moreover, this gene was lacking in 213 out of 230 (92.2%) or interrupted in 13 out of 230 (5.6%) SMA patients. In patients where the telomeric gene is not lacking or interrupted, deleterious mutations indicated that this telomeric gene, termed survival motor-neuron (SMN) gene, is the chromosome 5 SMA-determining gene.

The SMN gene was discovered using a complex system of restriction mapping, distinguishing the E^(Tel) from the E^(Cen) by Southern blot, and the determination of the differences between the E^(Tel) in SMA patients by genetic and physical mapping. After confirming the location of the SMN gene, a phage contig spanning the critical region of the telomeric element was constructed to identify specific clones containing the SWN gene.

Analysis of the SMN gene in SMA patients compared with those of normal patients revealed either the SMN gene was either lacking or truncated in 98% of SMA patients or had combined mutations not present in normal control patients.

To identify a large inverted duplication and a complex genomic organisation of the 5q13 region, long-range restriction mapping using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of the YAC contig was performed.

YACs were ordered by comparing their haplotypes with that of the human donor at the polymorphic loci detected markers C212, C272, C171 C161 (FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NOS: 14-18)).

The restriction enzymes SacII, BssHII, SfiI, EagI and XhoI were used to digest the YACs containing the telomeric loci detected by markers C212, C272, C171 and C161 (YAC clone 595C11), the centromeric loci detected by these markers (YAC clones 121B8, 759A3, 278G7) or both (YAC clones 903D1 and 920C9). Lambda phage libraries of YACs 595C11, 121B8 and 903D1 were constructed and subclones from phages containing markers C212 (p322), C272 (132SE11), C161(He3), AFM157×d10(131×4) and CMS1 (p11M1) were used as probes for PFGE analysis. FIG. 5 shows that probes 132SE11, 11P1 and p322 revealed two loci, and probe He3 revealed 4 loci on the YAC contig, whereas probe 13×b4 revealed several loci on 5p and 5q13. The restriction map (FIG. 6) showed that the 5q13 region contained a large inverted duplication of an element (E) of at least 500 Kb, termed E^(Tel) and E^(Cen) for the telomeric and centromeric elements, respectively.

The PFGE analysis of SMA and control individuals revealed a high degree of variability of restriction fragments which hampered the distinghishment of E^(Tel) from the E^(Cen) and the recognition of abnormal restriction fragments in SMA patients.

In order to distinguish between the E^(Tel) and the E^(Cen), a Southern blot analysis was then performed. The Southern blot was performed by the methods described in Sambrook et al, supra.

More specifically, DNA from YAC clones, controls and SMA patients was digested with restriction enzymes SacI, KpnI MspI, PstI, PvuII EcoRI HindIII, BgII and XbaI for Southern blotting and hybridized with clones 132SE11, 11p1, He3, 131×b4 and p322 as probes. None of the probes except one (He3) detected a difference between the two duplicated elements. Three HindIII restriction fragments of 12, 11 and 3.7 Kb were detected by probe He3. A 12 Kb HindIII restriction fragment was detected in YAC clones 754H5 and 759A3, indicating that this fragment corresponded to the most centromeric locus in the E^(Cen).

Conversely, a 11 Kb HindIII fragment was detected in YACs clones 595C11, 903D1 and 920C9 indicating that this fragment corresponded to a single locus on the E^(Tel). Finally, a 3.7 Kb HindIII fragment was noted in non-overlapping YACs containing either E^(Tel) or E^(Cen), indicating that this fragment corresponded to two different loci. Similar results were obtained with SacI and KpnI. The three restriction fragments detected by He3 were observed on the monochromosomal hybrid HHW105 (Carlock, L. R. et al, Am. J. of Human Genet., 1985, Vol. 37, p. 839) and in 30 unrelated, healthy individuals, confirming that these fragments were not due to polymorphisms. The Southern analysis results allowed one to distinguish E^(Tel) from the E^(Cen) in both controls and SMA patients.

Thus, once the E^(Tel) from the E^(Cen) was distinguished, it was necessary to determine the differences between the E^(Tel) in SMA patients and those of the normal control. This was done by using genetic and physical mapping. This genetic and physical mapping identified genomic rearrangements in the telomeric element of E^(Tel) of SMA patients.

It was previously shown that 9 out of 201 (9/201) SMA patients displayed large-scale deletions encompassing either one or the two loci detected by markers C212 and C272 on one mutant chromosome (J. Melki et al, Science, 264, 1474 (1994)). On the other hand, 22 out of 30 ( 22/30) patients born to consanguineous parents including 13 out of 14 ( 13/14) type 1 and 9 out of 10 ( 9/10) type III SMA, were homozygous by descent for the most closely flanking polymorphic markers.

The genomic DNA of the 9 patients harboring large scale deletions and the 22 consanguineous patients displaying homozygosity by descent were digested with HindIII for Southern blotting and hybridized with probe He3. The 11 Kb fragment revealed by probe He3 was absent in 12 out of 13 ( 12/13) consanguineous type I patients. In 2 out of 12 ( 2/12), the deletion also involved the 3.7 Kb fragment. By contrast, the 11 Kb fragment was absent in 1 out of 8 (⅛) consanguineous type III patients only. Consistently, the 11 Kb HindIII fragment was absent in 4 out of 9 (4/9) patients harboring large scale deletions on one mutant chromosome. Of particular interest was the absence of the 11 Kb fragment in the patient harboring a deletion of one of the two loci detected by markers C212 and C272.

When analyzed together, these observations provided evidence for genomic rearrangements of E^(Tel) in SMA patients and supported the location of the SMA gene centromeric to the locus revealed by the 11 Kb HindIII fragment, since all consanguineous type III patients but one were not deleted for this locus.

In order to characterize the centromeric boundary of the genomic rearrangement in the disease, the allele segregation at loci detected by marker C272 in consanguineous SMA patients was analyzed. All consanguineous SMA type I patients had one single PCR amplification product, compared with 0 out of 60 controls. This marked heterozygosity deficiency was due to deletion of one of the two loci detected by C272, as indicated by the marked decrease of gene dosage with probe 132SE11, mapping close to this marker. By contrast, 7 out of 9 ( 7/9) consanguineous type III SMA patients had two C272 amplification products inherited from both parents, indicating homozygosity at each locus detected by marker C272. Moreover, no gene dosage effect was observed with probe 132SE11 indicating the absence of deletion involving the locus detected by C272 in type III consanguineous patients.

Assuming that the same locus is involved in all three types of SMA, these results indicate that the disease causing gene is distal to the tetomeric locus detected by C272.

These studies place the SMA gene within the telomeric element E^(Tel), between the telomeric loci detected by markers C272 and He3 (11 kb HindIII fragment). Based on long-range restriction mapping using PGFE of the YAC contig, this critical region is entirely contained in a 140 Kb SacII fragment of YAC clone 903D1 (or 150 Kb SacII fragment of YAC clone 920D9).

After confirming that the SMN gene was located on a 140 Kb Sacll fragment a phage contig spanning the critical region of the telomeric element was constructed in order to identify and characterize the SMN gene.

Phage clones containing markers C212, C272, C171 and C161 were isolated from the λ phage libraries constructed from YAC clones 595C11 and 903D1 and used as a starting point for bidirectional walking A phage contig (60 Kb) surrounding markers C212, C272 and C171 was constructed based on the restriction map of the phage clones (FIG. 6).

To identify genes in the contig, the following three stategies were used:

1) a search for interspecies-conserved sequences was conducted;

2) exon trapping method was performed; and

3) direct cDNA selection was performed. The genomic probe 132SE11, derived from the phage containing the marker C272, gave positive hybridization signals with hamster DNA indicating the presence of interspecies-conserved sequences. The screening of a λgt10 human fetal brain cDNA library with probe 132SE11 resulted in the selection of 7 overlapping λ clones spanning 1.6 kbp. Sequence analysis of the clones revealed a 882 bp open-reading frame (ORE) and a 580 bp non-coding region. A 1.5 kbp clone (BCD541) contained the entire coding sequence and most of the 3′ non-coding region. The 3′ end of the cDNA along with its poly(A)⁺ tail was obtained by PCR-amplification of a lymphoblastoid cell line cDNA library.

Two cDNA clones lacked nucleotides 661 to 755, suggesting that an alternative splicing might have occurred. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)⁺ RNA from various tissues including heart, brain, liver, muscle, lung, kidney and pancreas, revealed the presence of a widely expressed 1.7 kb transcript. The ORF encodes a putative protein of 294 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 32 Kd.

A homology search using the FASTA and BLAST networks failed to detect any homology at either the nucleotide or the amino acid level.

To further distinguish whether there was any duplication of the BCD541 gene in the 5q13 region, BCD541 cDNA was used as a probe for Southern blot and PFGE analysis of YAC clones spanning the disease locus.

Specific hybridization with non-overlapping YACs containing either the E^(Cen) only (YAC clones 759A3, 121B8 and 278G7), or containing the E^(Tel) only (YAC clone 595C11) provided evidence for duplication of the BCD541 gene. Each gene encompassed approximately 20 kb and displayed an identical restriction pattern. Evidence for head to head orientation of the two genes was derived from the location of the SacII and EagI restriction sites of the non-overlapping YAC clones containing either E^(Cen) or E^(Tel), following hybridization experiments with probes BCD541 end p322 which flank the SacII and EagI sites of each element.

In order to look for divergences in the two copies of the BCD541 gene, the organization of the telomeric gene was characterized and compared to that of the centromeric counterpart. Genomic sequence analysis revealed that the telomeric BCD541 gene is composed of 8 exons (FIG. 3). However, it is now known that the previously known exon 2 is composed of 2 exons separated by an additional intron as set forth in FIG. 10, therefore the SMN gene is composed of 9 exons.

Starting from either the centrcmeric or telomeric gene loci (in YAC clones 121B8 and 595C11, respectively), PCR-amplification and sequence of each exon and their flanking regions revealed five discrepancies between the centromeric and the telomeric BCD541 genes. The first one is a conservative substitution in exon 7 (codon 280) specific for the telomeric (TTC) or the centromeric BCD541 gene (TTT). The second one, located in the 3′ non-coding region (exon 8 nucleotide n° 1155) is specific for the telomeric (TGG) or the centromeric BCD541 gene (TGA). Three other single base substitutions were observed in the sixth and seventh introns.

The observation of both versions of each exon (exon 7 and 8) on either YAC clones containing both gene loci (YAC clone 920C9) or the monochromosomal hybrid HHW105 demonstrated that these substitutions are neither allelic nor due to polymorphisms. Band shifts on SSCP analysis of amplified exons 7 and 8 allowed an easy distinction of the telomeric (T-BCD541) and centromeric genes (C-BCD541) in both controls and SMA patients. All the unrelated healthy controls tested (n=75) harbored the T-BCD541 gene as determined by SSCP analysis of exons 7 and 8 (100%). Most of them (89.3%) also harbored the C-BCD541 gene but 8 out of 75 (8/75) (10.7%) lacked the C-BCD541.

A total of 230 SMA patients were tested for single base substitutions detected in exons 7 and 8 by SSCP method after PCR-amplification of genomic DNA. Among them, 103 belonged to type I, 91 to type II, and 36 to type III. Interestingly, 213 out of 230 SMA patients (92.6%) lacked the T-BCD541 gene on both mutant chromosomes compared with 0 out of 75 controls (0%). Moreover, 13 out of 230 SMA patients (5.6%) lacked the T-BCD541 gene for exon 7 on both mutant chromosomes but retained the T-BCD541 gene for exon 8 compared with 0 out of 75 controls (0%). Finally, only 4 out of 230 SMA patients (1.7%) harbored the T-BCD541 gene as determined by SSCP analysis of exons 7 and 8.

These results show that the T-BCD541 gene is either lacking or truncated in 98% of SMA patients. In addition, these data support the view that the disease gene is located between the telomeric locus detected by C272 and exon 8 of the T-BCD541 gene. Therefore, according to the overlapping restriction map of the phage contig, the critical region is entirely contained in 20 kb, suggesting that the telomeric BCD541 gene is the chromosome 5 SMA-determining gene.

In order to demonstrate that the T-BCD541 gene is responsible for SMA, point mutations in the 4 SMA patients in whom no rearrangement of the TBCD541 gene had been observed were searched. Direct sequencing of PCR amplification products of each exon with their flanking regions was performed in the four patients.

A 7 bp deletion in the 3′ splice acceptor site of intron 6 (polypyrimidine tract) was found in patient SA. Sequence analysis of exon 7 flanking the deleted intron, recognized the sequence specific for the T-BCD541 gene. Moreover, the non-deleted PCR-product corresponding to the same region, harbored the sequence specific for the C-BCD541 suggesting that the other mutant allele lacked the T-BCD541 gene.

In patient B1, a 4 bp deletion in the 5′ consensus splice donor site of intron 7 was found. This deletion occurred on the T-BCD541 gene as determined by sequence analysis of the flanking exon 7.

In patient HU, a point mutation in codon 272 (TAT→TGT) was found. This mutation changed a Tyrosine to Cysteine. The patient was heterozygous for the mutation, presumably carrying a different SMA mutation on the other allele. All three mutations observed in patients SA, HU and BI were not detected in 100 normal chromosomes ruling out rare polymorphisms.

A different splicing of exon 7 distinguished the C-BCD541 from the TBCD541 gene using reverse transcription-based PCR. Eleven SMA patients were selected for the analysis of their transcripts by Northern blot or reverse transcription-based PCR amplification. Eight of them belonged to type I, I to type II and 2 to type III. SSCP analysis of genomic DNA showed an absence of T-BCD541 gene in 10 patients and one patient (SA) had C-BCD541 and TBCD541 genes for both exons 7 and 8. Six unrelated controls who harbored both C-BCD541 and T-BCD541 genes and 2 controls with only T-BCD541 gene were included in the present study.

The expression of this gene in lymphoblasts made it possible to analyze the BCD541 transcripts in cell lines derived from controls and SMA patients. Northern blot analysis of RNA from lymphoblastoid cell lines showed the presence of a 1.7 kb mRNA in all samples. None of the SMA patients showed a transcript of altered size. It was observed that a reduced level of transcripts was obtained when compared to the expression of the R-active gene in 3 out of 4 type I SMA patients. Normal mRNA level were found for the other SMA probands.

Since the Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of a transcript in SMA patients who had the C-BCD541 gene only for both exons 7 and 8 as determined by SSCP analysis, these results indicated that both C-BCD541 and T-BCD541 genes were expressed. To prove whether both BCD541 genes were expressed, RT-based PCR amplification of RNA isolated from the lymphoblastoid cell lines from controls and SMA patients was used. Direct sequencing of PCR products flanking exons 7 and 8 revealed that patients who had C-BCD541 only displayed the sequence specific for the C-BCD541 gene. Controls who had both T-BCD541 and C-BCD541 genes, had two types of transcripts corresponding to both BCD541 genes. These results confirmed that both genes were expressed. In addition, 2 alternative splicings involving exon 5 or exon 7 that resulted in different transcripts were observed. The alternative splicing of exon 5 confirmed previous sequence data on the cDNA clones.

The analysis of the RT-PCR amplification products encompassing exons 6 to 8 showed that the spliced transcript keeping exon 7, was present in controls who had both C-BCD541 and T-BCD541 genes or controls who had the TBCD541 gene only. Conversely, the alternative spliced transcript lacking exon 7 was observed in controls who had both genes, but not in controls who had the T-BCD541 gene only. These results indicated that the alternative spliced transcript lacking exon 7 was derived from the C-BCD541 gene only.

The transcript analysis of patient SA harboring a 7 bp deletion of the 3′ splice acceptor site of intron 6 of the T-BCD541 gene revealed the presence of both spliced transcript keeping exon 7 and alternate spliced transcript lacking exon 7. Moreover, the sequence analysis of amplification products from the spliced transcript keeping exon 7, showed a sequence specific for the C-BCD541 gene (FIG. 2). These results demonstrated that the 7 bp deletion of intron 6 observed in patient SA was deleterious for the correct splicing of exon 7 of T-BCD541 gene only. In addition, because a differential splicing of exon 7 allowed one to distinguish the 2 BCD541 genes, this difference was analyzed among controls and SMA patients including patient SA. In controls, the amount of alternated spliced transcript lacking exon 7 was less abundant than that of spliced product keeping exon 7. Conversely, in SMA patients, the amount of alternated spliced transcript lacking exon 7 was equal or more abundant than that of spliced product keeping exon 7.

These results provide evidence for a difference between controls and SMA patients at the transcription level of these genes. The alternative spliced transcript lacking exon 7 resulted in a shorter ORF with a different C-terminus protein that might have effects on the protein function.

To further characterize the entire structure and organization of the human SMN gene, three genomic clones were isolated from a FIX II phage library derived from YAC clone 595C11 and screened with the full-length BCD541 cDNA (FIG. 2A) as a probe. After selecting several clones that hybridized to the probe, restriction mapping and Southern blot analysis indicated that phages L-132, L-5 and L-13 spanned the entire SMN gene.

These three phage clones were further subjected to sequencing using the Maxam-Gilbert or Sanger et al methods of sequencing disclosed in Sambrook et al. supra.

The nucleotide and amino acid sequence of the entire SMN gene including exons and introns is set forth in FIG. 10. The human gene is approximately 20 kb in length and consists of nine (9) exons interrupted by 8 introns as shown in FIG. 10. The human SMN gene has a molecular weight of approximately 32 kDA.

Although it was thought that only one exon 2 was present in the SMN gene (see, Lefebvre et al., Cell, 80:155-165 (1995)), the sequencing data proved otherwise and the previously mentioned exon 2 in Lefebvre et al., supra is in fact composed of 2 exons separated by an additional intron, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. To avoid confusion in the renumbering of exons, the 2 exons in exon 2 are now referred to as exon 2a and exon 2b.

All exon-intron bounderies displayed the consensus sequence found in other human genes and a polyadenylation consensus site is localized 550 bp downstream from the stop codon (FIG. 10).

Starting from either YAC clones 121B8 or 595C11 (which contain the C-BCD541 and SMN genes respectively, (see, Lefebvre et al., supra) PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the introns showed three differences between SMN and C-BCD541 in addition to those previously described (by Lefebvre et al., supra). These included a base charge in intro 6 (−45 bp/exon 7, atgt, telomeric, atat, centromeric) and two changes in intron 7 (+100 bp/exon 7, ttaa, telomeric; ttag, centromeric and at position +214 bp/exon 7, ttat, telomeric; ttgt, centromeric, FIG. 10). The presence of both versions in a YAC clone containing both genes (YAC 920C9), and in the control population demonstrated that these substitutions are locus-specific rather than due to polymorphism. Band shifts on single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the PCR amplified intron 7 allowed SMN and its centromeric counterpart (C-BCD541) to be readily distinguished (see, FIG. 15).

In order to identify sequences potentially important for promoter function, the organization of the region surrounding exon 1 of the SMN and C-BCD541 genes was characterized. Based on restriction mapping, Southern blot hybridization and PCR amplification, exon 1 and the C272 marker (D5F150S1, D5F150S2) were located in the same BgIII-EcoRI restriction fragment of L-132 phage (FIG. 9). PCR amplification using the C272f primer and a reverse primer chosen in exon 1 was performed and the amplified product was directly sequenced. Sequence analysis showed that the (CA) repeat corresponding to the C272 marker are located 463 bp upstream from the putative ATG translation start site (FIG. 11). Comparative sequence analyses showed no discrepancy between the 5′ ends of the SMN gene and its centromeric counterpart (C-BCD541). In addition, sequence analysis showed the presence of putative binding sites for the following transcription factors: AP-2, GH-CSE2, DTF-1, E4F1, HiNF-A, H4TF-1, β-IFN, Sp1 (FIG. 11; Faisst et al, Nucleic Acids Res., 20:3-26 (1992)).

Besides isolating and characterizing the human SMN gene, the mouse homologue of the SMN gene was also cloned. Cross-species conservation of human SMN gene with rodents has been shown in Lefebvre et al., supra and served to isolate the mouse SMN gene. Screening of a mouse fetal cDNA library using human SMN cDNA as a probe allowed the isolation of 2 overlapping mouse cDNA clones. Sequences analysis of the clones revealed an 864 bp open-reading frame (ORF) (FIG. 12). The ORF encodes a putative protein of 288 amino acids (FIG. 12) with an homology of 83% with human SMN amino acid sequence (FIG. 13).

Either the isolated human or the mouse SMN, the gene can be inserted into various plasmids such as pUC18, pBr322, pUC100, λgHI, λ18-23, λZAP, λORF8, and the like. The methods for inserting genes into different plasmid vectors are described by Sambrook et al., supra. Various microorganisms can be used to transform the vector to produce the SMN gene. For example, host microorganisms include, but are not limited to, yeast, CHO cells, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis and the like.

Once recombinantly produced, the human SMN protein or the mouse SMN protein can be further purified from the host culture by methods known in the art.

Besides recombinantly producing the SMN protein, the present invention also relates to the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. These methods are known in the art as evidenced by Sambrook et al. supra. The monoclonal antibody can be obtained by the procedure of Kohler and Milstein, Nature, 256:495 (1975); Eur. J. Immunol 6:511 (1976) or Harlow and Lane Antibodies, a Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1988), and can be used, for example, in diagnosing SMA, as well as other motor neuron disorders.

Polyclonal rabbit antisera can also be generated against synthetic peptides corresponding to any part of the SMN amino acid sequence including the amino terminus and carboxy terminus. More specifically, the following peptides were synthesized based on the amino acid sequence set forth in FIG. 1:

N-terminal G G V P E Q E D S V L F R R G T (residues 10-25 of SEQ ID NO: 9) C-terminal S R S P G N K S D N I K P K (residues 173-186 of SEQ ID NO: 9) F R Q N Q K E G R C S H S L N (residues 200-294 280-294 of SEQ ID NO: 9)

The synthetic peptide may be coupled to a carrier protein such as Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) through an amino- or carboxy-artificial cysteine residue that may be synthetically added to the desired sequence. The cysteine residue is used as a linker to couple the synthetic peptide to the carrier protein. The procedure utilized to couple synthetic peptides to KLH is described by Green et al., Cell, 28:477 (1982).

Approximately, 50-100 μg, preferably 100 μg of synthetic antigen is dissolved in buffer and emulsified with an equal volume of Freund's complete adjuvant. About 0.025 ml to 0.5 ml of emulsified antigen-adjuvant can be injected intramuscularly or intradermaly into a rabbit. Four to six weeks later, the rabbit is boosted and 20-40 ml of blood is drawn 7-10 days after each booster injection. The serum is then tested for the presence of antigen using RIA, ELISA or immunoprecipitation. The positive antibody fractions may then be purified, for example by absorption to protein A following the method of Goudswaald at al., Scand. J. Immunol., 8:21 (1978).

More specifically, about 20 to 50 μg of antigen, prepared either by the recombinant techniques set forth above or synthetically made antigen is diluted in about 100 μl of buffer and emulsified with an equal amount of Freund's complete adjuvant. About 30-60, preferably 50 μl of the emulsified antigenadjuvant is injected subcutaneously at four sites into mice. Four to six weeks later, the mice are boosted with an intraperitoneal injection of about 100 μl containing 5-10 μg of antigen solubilized in buffer. The mice are bled from the mediam tail vein 7-10 days after the boaster injection and the serum is tested for antibody using standard methods. Blood is then drawn every 3-4 days until the antibody titer drops.

Tissue, plasma, serum, cerebral spinal fluid and the like can be used to detect SMA disease using the above-described monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies via Western blot (1 or 2 dimensional) or ELISA. These methods are known in the art as described by Sambrook et al., supra.

A method for detecting SMA as well as in ALS, ACM, and PLS patients who possibly have these motor neuron disorders, is also encompassed by the present invention. This method involves extracting from a patient suspected of having SMA, DNA from a sample. This sample may include sera, plasma, cerebral spinal fluid and the like. After extracting the DNA by known methods in the art, primers that are derived from exons 7 and 8 of the SMN gene are used to amplify the DNA.

After amplification with the primer, the amplified product is subjected to SSCP (Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism).

The gels are then subjected to autoradiography to determine if SMA is present in the sample.

More specifically, it has recently been discovered that in twelve cases of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) associated with SMA, 6 out of 12 patients lacked the SMN gene.

A total of twelve unrelated patients including eight males and four females of various geographic origins was selected for the study. The patients were chosen based on the criteria that these patients had:

-   -   (1) congenital joint contractures of at least two regions of the         body (see, Stern, JAMA, 81:1507-1510 (1923));     -   (2) generalized muscle weakness with muscular atrophy and         areflexia without extraocular involvement;     -   (3) electromyographic studies showed denervation and diminished         motor action potential amplitude; and     -   (4) muscle biopsies consistent with denervation with no evidence         of storage material or other structural abnormalites (see,         Munsat, Neuromuscular Disorders, 1:81 (1991)).

The study consisted of Dinucleotide Repeat Polymorphism Analysis and SMN gene analysis (see, Examples) based on DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, lymiphoblastoid cell lines or muscle tissue in all twelve patients.

The data from this study is summarized in Table 1 below.

The diagnosis was made at birth with an uniform phenotype character Iced by a severe hypotonia, absence of movements except extraocular mobility and contractures of at least two joints. The number of affected joints and the severity of the postural defects varied from infant to infant, as set forth in Table 1. Decreased fetal movements were noted in 7 out of 12 ( 7/12) patients. Neonatal respiratory distress was observed in 9 out of 12 ( 9/12) patients and facial involvement associated with micrognathia was noted in 4 out of 12 ( 4/12) patients. Most of the cases, 8 out of 12 ( 8/12), died within the first month of life. Four infants are still alive. No family history was noted except in family 12 in which both the child and her father were affected suggesting an autosomal dominant form of AMC.

Table 1 shows that the SMN gene was lacking on both mutant chromosomes in 6 out of 12 ( 6/12) patients (cases 1-6). Among them, 3 out of 6 ( 3/6) patients had a large inherited deletion involving both loci detected by markers C212 and C272 on one parental allele, the other parental carrying only one locus instead of the expected two, as shown in FIG. 14.

Analysis of SMN exons did not reveal intragenic mutations in the patients whose SMN gene showed no deletions (cases 7-12). Genetic analysis showed that the disease gene in a family (case 9) was not linked to chromosome 5q13 as both the affected and healthy siblings carried the same 5q13 haplotype. These data strongly suggest that the patients whose SMN gene showed no deletions were not linked to the 5q13 SMA locus (cases 7-12).

Hitherto, arthrogryposis was regarded as an exclusion criterion in SMA (sec, Munsat, supra). But the observation of SMN gene deletion in 6 out of 12 ( 6/12) patients (50%) strongly indicates that arthrogryposis of neurogenic origin is related to SMA and that this subgroup and SMA are allelic disorders. Yet, AMC of neurogenic origin is a genetically heterogeneous condition since the disease gene was not linked to SMN locus in 6 out of 12 ( 6/12) patients. Exclusion of chromosome 5q has also been shown in one family with two AMC-SMA patients, as described by Lunt et al., J. Med. Genet., 29:273 (Abstract) (1992).

Thus, by dinucleotide Repeat Polymorphism Analysis and SMN gene analysis, clinical diagnosis of AMC can be confirmed by the absence or interruption of the SMN gene. The present invention now provides methods to detect AMC either in live patients or in utero.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is the detection of SMA using specific oligonucleotide probes based on the nucleotide sequence set forth in FIGS. 3, 10, or for the mouse SMA FIG. 12. If a patient totally is lacking in the SMN gene, no hybridization to the specific probe will occur. The hybridization conditions may vary depending upon the type of sample utilized. It is preferable to conduct such hybridization analysis under stringent conditions which are known in the art and defined in Sambrook et al supra. The oligonucleotide probes may be labeled in any manner such as with enzymes, radioactivity and the like. It is preferable to use radiolabeled probes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the human SMN gene can be utilized in conjunction with a viral or non-viral vector for administration in vivo directly to the patients suffering from SMA or related motor neuron diseases or by administration in vitro in bone marrow cells, epithelial cells fibroplasts, followed by administration to the patient. See, for example Resenfeld et al., Science (1991) 252, pp. 431 to 434.

The present invention provides a method of detecting SMN gene defects or the total lack of the SMN gene in a fetus. Amniotic fluid taken from the pregnant woman is subjected to SSCP analysis according to the methods of the present invention.

In order to further illustrate the present invention and advantages thereof, the following specific examples are given, it being understood that the same are intended only as illustration and in nowise limitative.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Construction of Phage Libraries from the 121B8, 595C11, and 903D1 YAC Clone

Total yeast DNA from YAC clone 595C11 containing the telomeric loci detected by C212, C272 and C161, or YAC clone 121B8 containing the centromeric loci detected by the same markers or 903D 1 YAC clone containing both loci was purified and partially digested with Sau3A. DNA in the size range of 12 to 23 kb was excised after 0.5% Seaplaque GTG agarose gel electrophoresis and precipitated with ethanol after β-agarase digestion. After partial fill-in of the Sau3A site, DNA was subcloned at the partially filled XhoI site of bacteriophage FIXIII (Stratagene). Clones of λ containing the microsatellite DNA markers C212 (L-51), C272 (L-51, L-132), C171 (L-5, L-13), C161 (595B1), 11 M1 (L-11), AFM157×d10 (L-131) were digested either with EcoRI or HindIII or both and subcloned into pUC18 plasmid vectors. Subclones from phages containing markers C212(p322), C272(132SE11), C161(He3), AFM157×d10(131×b4) and CMS1(p11M1) were used as probes.

Example 2 Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis Analysis

High molecular weight DNA was isolated in agarose plugs from Epstein-Barr virus transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines established from controls and patients or from YAC clone as described. Plugs were rinsed twice for 30 min. each in 10-20 min vol. TE. The plugs were equilibrated for 30′ at 4° C. with 0.3 ml of the appropriate restriction enzyme buffer containing 0.1 mg/ml BSA (Pharmacia). Excess buffer was then removed and the plugs were incubated at the appropriate temperature for 16 h with 40 U restriction enzyme per reaction. DNA was digested with the restriction enzymes BssHII, EagI, SfiI, SacI KpnI, SacII, SpeI. Separation of DNA fragments was performed using a CHEF-III-DR PFGE apparatus (Biorad). Fragments from 50 to 1200 kb were separated by electrophoresis through 1% agarose Seakerm, at 200 V for 24 h at 14° C. in 0.5×TBE running buffer using a 30′ to 70′ ramping pulse time. The separation of fragments from 5 to 100 kb was performed by electrophoresis at 200 V for 19 h at 14° C. in 0.5×TBE buffer using a 5′ to 20′ ramping pulse time. After treatment with 0.25N HCl for 20 min, pulsed field gels were blotted onto Hybond N+ Nylon membrane (Amersham) in 0.4N NaOH, 0.4M NaCl for 20 h. Probes were successively hybridized to the same filters to ensure accurate data. Hybridizations were performed as described.

Example 3 YAC Library Screening

YAC libraries from CEPH were screened by PCR with microsatellites C212, C272, C171, CMS1, and C161. YAC genotypes were established by electrophoresis of PCR products on denaturing polyacrylamide gels. YAC size was estimated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis.

Example 4 Southern Blot Analysis

DNA samples were extracted from either peripheral blood leukocytes or lymphoblastoid cell lines. DNA were digested with restriction enzymes EcoRI, HindIII, BgII, XbaI, PvuII, XmnI, RsaI, PstI, BamHI, separated by electrophoresis on an 0.8% agarose gel for Southern blotting and hybridized with radioactively labeled probes.

Example 5 Dinucteotide Repeat Polymorphisms

Genotypic data were obtained for the C212(D5F149S1, —S2), C272(D5F150S1, −S2) and C161(D5F153S1, −S2) dinucleotide repeat. Amplification conditions were as follows: denaturation at 94° C., annealing at 55° C., and extension at 72° C., 1 min each for 30 cycles. The procedure used for detection of dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms has been described elsewhere.

Example 6 cDNA Clone and DNA Sequencing

Two million recombinants of a λgt10 human fetal brain library were plated according to the manufacturer (Clontech). Prehybridization and hybridization was carried out in 10% Dextran Sulphate Sodium, 1 M NaCl, 0.05 M Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 0.005 M EDTA and 1% SDS with 200 mg/ml sheared human placental DNA (Sigma) for 16 hours at 65° C. The filters were washed in 0.1×SSEP-0.1% SDS at 65° C. and autoradiographs were performed for 24 hours. The DNA of positive cDNA clones were purified, digested with EcoRI and subcloned in M13 bacteriophage. Single strand DNAs were sequenced using the DyeDeoxy™ Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit protocol supplied by Applied Biosystems, Inc. and analyzed on a ABI model 373A DNA automated sequencer. To obtain the 3′ end of the cDNA along with its poly(A)⁺ tail, PCR-amplification of a lymphobtastoid cell line cDNA library was performed using specific primer complementary to the 3′ end of the clones and primer specific to the vectors arms of the cDNA library as previously described (Fournier B., Saudubray J. M., Benichou B. et al, 1994, J. Clin. Invest. 94:526-531). Specific PCR-products were directly sequenced with both primers using the DyeDeoxy™ Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit protocol supplied by Applied Biosystems, Inc. and analyzed on a ABI model 373A DNA automated sequencer.

Example 7 Isolation of RNA and Northern Blot Analysis

mRNA from lymphoblast cell lines of controls and SMA patients were isolated with the QuickPrep mRNA purification kit (Pharmacia) according to the supplier's procedure. Total RNA was prepared following the single-step RNA isolation method described by Chomczynski and Sacchi (Analytic Biochemistry, 162:156-159 (1987)). The total RNA preparation was treated with RQ1-DNAse (Promega) to remove any contaminating genomic DNA. Northern blots were made from mRNA and total RNA by electrophoresis through 1.5% seakem agarose gel containing methyl mercuric hydroxide and transferred to positively charged membrane in 20×SSC and heated for 2 hours at 80° C. ³²P-radiolabeled DNA probes were synthesized by a random priming method according to the manufacturer (Boehringer), and hybridized in a solution containing 5×SSEP, 1% SDS, 5×Denhardt's for 16 hours at 65° C. The membranes were washed to a final stringency of 0.1×SSEP, 0.1% SDS at 65° C. for 10 min. Autoradiography was at −80° C. with intensifying screens and Kodak XAR films for 2 to 10 days. The amount of mRNA was normalized with a b-actine cDNA probe. The autoradiographs were scanned at 600 nm in computerized densitometer (Hoeffer Scientific Instruments, San Francisco). A Northern blot with polyA⁺ RNA from several hums tissues was purchased from Clontech.

Example 8 Reverse Transcriptase-Based PCR Amplification and Sequencing

Each PCR amplification was carried out in a final volume of 20 ml on single-strand cDNAs synthesized from the random hexamers-primed reverse transcription (Promega). The PCR reactions included 2 picomoles of forward and reverse primers and 1 unit Taq pelymerase in the reaction buffer recommended by Perkin Elmer/Cetus. Parameters for PCR amplification consisted in 1 min at 94° C., 1 min at 55° C. and 1 min at 72° C. for 30 cycles followed by a final extension period of 10 min at 72° C. Parameters for PCR amplification consisted in 1 min at 94° C., 1 min at 55° C. and 1 min at 72° C. for 30 cycles followed by a final extension period of 10 min at 72° C. The PCR products were cut from acrylamide gel and eluted in 100 ml of TE buffer. The diluted fragments were reamplified with the same primers prior direct sequencing. The PCR amplification products were cut from acrylamide gel and eluted in 100 ml of TE buffer. The diluted fragments were reamplified prior to direct sequencing with both primers using the DyeDeoxy™ Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit protocol supplied by Applied Biosystems, Inc. and analyzed on a ABI model 373A DNA automated sequencer. Six sets of primers along the cDNA sequence were used to amplify DNA products for sequence analysis.

Example 9 Computer-Assisted Analysis

Sequence homology analysis with both nucleotide and protein sequences from 541C were performed using FASTA and BLAST through the CITI2 French network (Dessert P., Fondrat C., Velencien C., Mugnoer C., 1990, CABIOS; 6:355-356).

Example 10 SSCP Analysis

For single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, DNA from peripheral leukocytes (200 ng) was submitted to PCR amplification using unlabelled primers (20 μM) in 25 μl amplification mixture containing 200 μM dNTPs, 1 unit of Taq polymerise (Gibco-BRL) and 0, μl of a ³²P dCTP (10 mCi/ml, NEN). Amplified DNA was mixed with an equal volume of formamide loaded dye (95% formamide, 20 mM EDTA, 0.05% bromophenol blue, 0.05% xylene cyanol). The samples (5 μl) were denatured for 10 nm at 95° C. and loaded onto a polyacrylamide gel (Hydroling MED, Bioprobe) and electrophoresed at 4° C. for 18 to 24 hours at 4 W. Gels were transferred onto 3 MM Whatman paper, dried and autoradiographed with Kodak X-OMAT films for 24 hours. To amplify the DNA sequence containing the divergence of exon 7 oligonucleotides 8111 (5′ AGACTATCAACTTAATTTCTGATCA 3′) and 541 C770 (SEQ ID NO:5) (5′^(oo)TAAGGAATGTGAGCACCTTCCTTG 3′) (SEQ ID NO:6) were used. To amplify the DNA sequence containing the divergence of exon 8 oligonucleotides 541 C960

(5′ GTAATAACCAAATGCAATGTGAA 3′) (SEQ ID NO:7) and 541C1120 (5′CTACAACACCCTTCTCACAG 3′)) (SEQ ID NO:8) were used.

Example 11 Cloning of the Human SMN Gene

Total yeast DNA from YAC clone 595C11 was purified via the method of Sambrook et al., supra and partially digested with restriction enzyme Sau3A DNA in the 12-23 kD size range was excised after 0.5% sea plague GTG agarose gel electrophoresis and precipitated with ethanol after (β-agarase digestion. After partial fill-in of the Sau3A site, DNA was subcloned at the partially filled XhoI site of bacteriophage FIXII (Stratagene).

The full-length BCD541 cDNA was used as a probe to screen the FIXII phage library under conditions set forth in Sambrook et at, supra.

These phages, named M-132, L-5 and L-13 spanned the entire SMN gene as confirmed by restriction mapping using HindIII, EcoRI and BgIII (see, FIG. 9) and Southern blot analysis.

The phages were then sequenced as described in Example 8. Once the gene was sequenced, it was then cloned into a pUC18 vector and recombinantly reproduced in large quantities that were purified for further use.

Example 12 Cloning of the Mouse SMN Gene

A mouse fetal cDNA library was screened using the coding sequence of the human SMN cDNA as a probe according to Sambrook et al, supra.

Two overlapping mouse cDNA clones were found that had the entire sequence of mouse SMN, as revealed by sequencing methods described in Example 8 after being cloned into a pUC18 vector and M13 vectors.

Example 13 Transgenic Mouse

Transgenic mice containing multiple normal SMN genes OR SMN genes lacking exon 7 are produced by the methods according to Lee et al., Neuron, 13; 978-988 (1994). The transgenic animals are then tested and selected for the overexpression of the SMN gene or SMN gene lacking exon 7 via Southern, and/or Northern blots using the probes described in the present invention or by screening with antibodies described in the present invention in a Western blot.

Transgenic mice containing abnormal SMN genes are obtained by homologous recombination methods using mutated SMN genes as described by Kuhn et al, Science, 269; 1427-1429 (1995) and Bradley, Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 2; 823-829 (1991). The transgenic animals are then tested and selected for the overexpression of the SMN gene via Southern, and/or Northern blots using the probes described in the present invention or by screening with antibodies described in the present invention in a Western blot selected for the abnormal SMN gene.

Example 14 Polyclonal Antibodies

100 pg of a synthetic antigen having sequence:

N-terminal GGVPEQEDSVLFRRGT (residues 10-25 of SEQ ID NO: 9) C-terminal was dissolved in buffer and emulsified with an equal volume of Freund's complete adjuvant. 0.5 ml of the emulsified synthetic antigen-adjuvant was injected intramuscularly into a rabbit. Five weeks later, the rabbit was boosted and 20-40 ml of blood was drawn 8 days after each booster injection. The serum was then tested for the presence of antigen using RIA.

Polyclonal antibodies were also prepared by the same methods using the following synthetic antigens:

N-terminal S R S P G N K S D N I K P K_ (residues 173-186 of SEQ ID NO: 9) C-terminal F R Q N Q K E G R C S H S L N (residues 200-299 280-294 of SEQ ID NO: 9)

Example 15 Gene Therapy

Using the adenovirus construct described by Ragot et at, Nature, Vol. 361 (1993), the normal SMN gene was inserted therein and injected intramuscularly into a patient lacking this gene. The patient is monitored using SSCP analysis as described in Example 10 above.

While the invention has been described in terms of various preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that various modifications, substitutions, omissions and changes may be made without departing from the spine thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of the following claims, including equivalents thereof.

TABLE 1 Case 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12* Sex m f m m m m m m m f f f Age of death d8 d6 d1 d25 d11 d13 4m >3y >3y d20 >9y >16m Fetal movements + + − + − − + − + − + + diminished Hypotonia + + + + + + + + + + + + Respiratory + + + + + + + − + + − − Involvement Neurogenic (EMG) ? + + + + + nd + + + + + Muscle Atrophy (MB) + + + + + + + + + + + + Contractures Hips − − − − − + − + − − + + Knees + + + + + + − + − − + + Ankle + − − + − − − + + + + + Elbows − + + + − − + + − − − − Wrists − − + − + + + + − + − − Fingers − + − − + + − − − − − − Associated Signs facial Ao.Co. − − − − fract. − facial facial facial − micro micro micro micro − − − − C212/C272 markers + + del del + del + + unlink + + + SMN gene del del del del del del + + + + + + Abbrevations: +, present; −, absent; Ao.Co., aortic coartation; Fract., bone fracture, Facil. microg, facial involvement with micrognathin; nd, not done. *Both the child and her father were affected. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of detecting a Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein in a biological sample, comprising: a) contacting a biological sample from a human individual with an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof directed against a human survival motor neuron (SMN) protein or portion thereof to produce an antibody-SMN protein complex, wherein the SMN amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO:9; and b) detecting with Western blot or an ELISA the presence or absence of the antibody-SMN protein complex, wherein the absence of the complex is indicative of the absence of SMN protein in the sample.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment is delectably labeled.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment is attached to a solid support.
 6. A method of diagnosing Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in an individual or determining an increased, risk of SMA in the individual, comprising: a) contacting a biological sample from a human individual with an antibody or antigen binding fragment directed against a human survival motor neuron (SMN) protein or portion thereof to produce an antibody-SMN protein complex, wherein the SMN amino acid is sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9; and b) detecting with Western blot or an ELISA the presence or absence of the antibody-SMN protein complex in the sample, wherein the absence of the antibody-SMN protein complex is indicative of SMA in the individual or an increased risk of SMA in the individual.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody or a specific antigen binding fragment thereof.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody or a specific antigen binding fragment thereof.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is detectably labeled.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is attached to a solid support.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment binds amino acid 10 to amino acid 25 of SEQ ID NO:
 9. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment binds amino acid 173 to amino acid 186 of SEQ ID NO:
 9. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment binds amino acid 280 to amino acid 294 of SEQ ID NO:
 9. 14. The method of claim 6, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment binds amino acid 10 to amino acid 25 of SEQ ID NO:
 9. 15. The method of claim 6, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment binds amino acid 173 to amino acid 186 of SEQ ID NO:
 9. 16. The method of claim 6, wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment binds amino acid 280 to amino acid 294 of SEQ ID NO:
 9. 17. The method of claim 6, wherein the biological sample is selected from the group consisting of tissue, plasma, serum, or spinal fluid. 